Ithaca 37 DS PS - opinions needed

[Classic12]

I’ve wanted an Ithaca 37 for some time. Just found one for sale, DS PS (Deer Slayer Police Special) featherweight (that’s a lot of words for one shotgun).

It’s in satin nickel, and I prefer a more utilitarian parkerized look (I had a Win 1300 stainless marine and I traded it for a blued defender)

However whereas Winchesters are plentiful here in Switzerland, Ithacas are pretty scarce, so I’m hesitating to buy it anyway.

I’m sure plenty members are familiar with this shotgun, so opinions are welcomed. The gun for sale :

 

[upstate81]

That model 37 brings good money around here. I have been looking to add one to my collection for some time. Beautiful wood on that one and it looks unmolested. I wouldn’t hesitate. In quality terms it is superior to the Winchester 1300. I own both and the Ithaca feels like a well oiled machine. Usually the screw heads are buggered up but those look great.

 

[FrankenMauser]

So, what is your question?


My general opinions of the aforementioned shotguns are:
1. Defenders are fun.
2. Winchester 1300s eat themselves to death. Auto-cannibalistic tendencies and poor factory tolerances eventually result in the action jamming hard when unlocking - and sometimes when locking - if the action bar doesn't bend first. They all kill themselves eventually.
3. If you want a different Ithaca 37, buy a different Ithaca 37. It isn't like they're rare or hard to find...

 

[44 AMP]

moved to shotgun forum

 

[amd6547]

It's a John Browning design. Nothing more needs to be said. Buy it.

 

[ammo.crafter]

37

My daughter's first pump shotgun.

As a lefty this bottom eject shotgun was perfect for her as was the featherweight design.
Easy to swing as well as a smooth pump.

Though she graduated to a 12ga o/u she still likes to shoot sporting clays with the 37.

This is a well-made shotgun based on JMB's design.

 

[Classic12]

So, what is your question?

From the first post :

“I’m sure plenty members are familiar with this shotgun, so opinions are welcomed.”

So I’m looking for opinions on the Ithaca 37 DSPS in general and on this particular model, which is a satined nickel I believe.

My general opinions of the aforementioned shotguns are:
1. Defenders are fun.
2. Winchester 1300s eat themselves to death. Auto-cannibalistic tendencies and poor factory tolerances eventually result in the action jamming hard when unlocking - and sometimes when locking - if the action bar doesn't bend first. They all kill themselves eventually.
3. If you want a different Ithaca 37, buy a different Ithaca 37. It isn't like they're rare or hard to find...

Thank you for your opinion. I already have a Defender

The Ithaca 37 are quite rare and hard to find here in Switzerland, as per the first post

 

[FrankenMauser]

If your geographic location is going to be a continuing issue in your posts, it would help all members - including you - if you put that as the location in your profile.

The Ithaca 37 are quite rare and hard to find here in Switzerland, as per the first post

One can always buy cheap in the US and import it.
I know someone in the Bern area that imports for personal use about once per quarter. He finds the gun, purchases it, has it shipped to the US exporter, gets the Swiss import permit, and then the paper work shuffle happens. Eventually, the pieces fall into place.
It is not cheap. But it is not terribly expensive, either.
It is worthwhile for things that are difficult or impossible to find in the Euro market.

 

[MarkCO]

I'd buy if.

I have a 16g 37 Featherweight I had to rescue, love it now that it works.

 

[Classic12]

Thank you all for your opinions and experiences.

I saw another one at the LGS, parkerized

However, the stock fit and the price were both horrible

So I bought the satin nickel one for $ 600 and had it sent to another LGS, where it is in jail waiting for my permit.

Ithaca just informed me it was built in 1981.
It has the slam fire, and it is a smooth bore

 

[darkgael]

Good luck with that. Ithaca 37....maybe the smoothest pump action ever.
Pete